Central Criminal Investigation Bureau launched to modernize crime-fighting
The CCIB has been established within the historic former Labour Department building in Narahenpita and will operate under the leadership of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Ranmal Kodithuwakku, with Superintendent of Police Kamal Ariyawansa appointed as its Director.
The bureau will comprise six specialized divisions, each tasked with handling complex and high-priority cases:
- Illegal Asset Investigations (Rs. 25 million–Rs. 50 million range)
- Homicide and Organized Crime Investigations
- Cybercrime Investigations
- Human Trafficking and Smuggling Investigations
- Maritime Crime Investigations
- Criminal Intelligence and Analysis
Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala stressed the urgent need to decentralize criminal investigations and ease the overwhelming caseload of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is burdened with nearly 60,000 pending complaints.
“People from remote areas travel long distances seeking justice through the CID. The CCIB will streamline complaints through the Inspector General and direct them to the relevant divisions, ensuring investigations begin without delay,” the Minister said, adding that provincial crime units will work in support of the new structure.
“This initiative is not just about efficiency — it’s about restoring public trust and driving social reform,” he added.
